A City Hall Love Story: Hiba & Hisham’s Intimate Wedding and Central Park Conservatory Garden Photo Adventure
Hiba and Hisham’s special day was a perfect blend of love, laughter, and NYC charm. Their story began like many modern love stories do—on a dating app—and bloomed into a beautiful connection that brought together their best friends for a heartfelt ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. They kept things simple yet meaningful. After exchanging vows at the iconic NYC City Hall, they stepped out into downtown streets, glowing with newlywed joy.
Post-Ceremony Photos at Central Park’s Conservatory Garden
After the ceremony, we made our way uptown to the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, a hidden gem known for its European-style landscaping and seasonal blooms. The garden, which had recently reopened to the public, was peaceful and in full spring color—an ideal backdrop for romantic wedding portraits.
Although permits are not currently being accepted for weddings or professional photography sessions at the Conservatory Garden due to ongoing restoration efforts by the Central Park Conservancy (expected to resume in summer 2025), couples can still visit and enjoy this stunning location informally.
📍 Tip: If you’re planning a wedding with more than 20 guests in other areas of Central Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Events Permit through the NYC Parks website. The permit takes about 30 days to process and costs $25.
Planning a Central Park Wedding? Here are some great locations!
If you’re dreaming of a Central Park wedding, there are numerous picturesque spots to consider. Whether you're envisioning a gazebo ceremony, a lakeside view, or a sweeping lawn gathering, here are the top Central Park wedding locations, complete with guest capacity:
If you’re dreaming of a Central Park wedding, there are numerous picturesque spots to consider. Whether you're envisioning a gazebo ceremony, a lakeside view, or a sweeping lawn gathering, here are the top Central Park wedding locations, complete with guest capacity:
✔️Cop Cot (60th St.): Rustic wooden gazebo near Central Park South | Max: 50 guests
✔️Ladies Pavilion (77th St.): Lakeside gazebo with city skyline views | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Wagner Cove (72nd St.): Secluded gazebo by the lake | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Cherry Hill (72nd St.): Scenic overlook of the Lake and Bow Bridge | Max: 100 guests
✔️ Harlem Meer (110th St.): Tranquil lakefront lawn in the northeast corner | Max: 100 guests
✔️ Shakespeare Garden (79th St.): Bloom-filled garden with charming paths | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Bethesda Terrace & Fountain (72nd St.): Iconic marble staircase and archway | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Cedar Hill (79th St.): Rolling hill with trees and open space | Max: 50 guests
✔️ Great Hill (103rd St.): Forested open space, perfect for larger weddings | Max: 100 guests
✔️ Gapstow Bridge (59th St.): Classic NYC photo spot with romantic views | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Belvedere Plaza: Scenic overlook near the castle (no interior access) | Max: 25 guests
✔️ Bow Bridge: One of the most photographed bridges in the park | Max: 25 guests
✔️ The Pool Lawn (101st–102nd Sts.): Grassy lawn near a serene pond | Max: 80 guests
✔️ Summit Rock (83rd St.): Elevated, wooded site with dramatic views | Max: 80 guests
Whether you're planning a low-key elopement or a more organized gathering, Central Park offers timeless beauty, accessible permits, and flexible location choices to suit every love story! And count me in! I specialize in capturing candid, artistic, and documentary-style moments throughout New York City—from city hall to Central Park and beyond.